The calendar tells me that summer is wrapping up, but the blistering heat engulfing my body and seeping into my slow-moving legs tells me otherwise. It’s Labor Day weekend, but the trails that stretch out from the South Mesa Trailhead located a short drive from downtown Boulder, are relatively empty. Only a few hikers brave the mid-morning heat, finding little reprieve in patches of shade threaded throughout the trail. Silently, we each place one foot in front of the other, willing our heavy legs to carry us higher and higher along the steady incline of the trail, until finally we reach the top, where sweeping views of the cities below us and 360-degree views of nature around us, reward us for our efforts.

Photo Location: Mesa Trail, Boulder, Colorado.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends.